As Simon Middleton said when announcing his team to play Canada in the 3rd round of the Super Series: ‘In any successful squad you need players to demonstrate adaptability’. And his chosen starting XV to face the Maple Leafs is living proof of that requirement: This was the line-up first announced: 15. Sarah McKenna (Saracens
If the first ODI was bitterly disappointing, the second failed to improve matters. First, the news that Sarah Taylor would be a non-starter with an ankle injury. At least England can boast a classy replacement with the gloves in Amy Jones. Danni Wyatt was reinstated in the team. The batting once more flattered to deceive;
How do we stand after two rounds This is the multi-nation tournament like no other, not even the World Cup. Only the top five were invited along. Is it proving to answer all the claims made for it? Questions have been asked about the facilities provided at the event, for players, support staff and even
Canada v France USA v New Zealand – Chula Vista 2 July 2019 The balance of power between the French and the Canadians had grown even tighter. With their loss to New Zealand in Round 1 the Maple Leafs found themselves demoted to fourth position in world rankings, now 0.01 behind les Bleues. What a difference
As England embark on another Ashes adventure, the selectors have opted heavily for experience. In a squad of 14, there was little room left for sentiment, youthful aspiration or chance-taking. Only one player who appeared in the England A team this week, Fran Wilson, has found favour. England’s Ashes Squad with appearances: T ODI
England versus Australia A – Putting them in their place For the second game in the series, the tables were turned: a full England XI fronted up against an Australian ‘A’ XIV. The result, a decisive win by 81 runs, reveals that the Aussie gap in ability between their first and second choices is just
‘Of all the clashes in the tournament, two stand out: New Zealand v England and Canada v France. It’s England’s well-trumpeted aim to regain top place in the World Rankings (www.world.rugby/rankings/wru) which they held briefly in 2017. They have beaten the Black Ferns eight times, but only twice away from home (2001 and 2017). Les
USA Eagles v England – Chula Vista, San Diego 28 June 2019 Teams USA England 15 Bulou Mataitoga Sarah McKenna 14 Bui Baravilala Lydia Thompson 13 Alev Kelter Emily Scarratt 12 Eti Haungatau Amber Reed 11 Jennine Duncan Kelly Smith 10 Gabby Cantorna Zoe Harrison 9 Ashlee Byrge Claudia Macdonald 1 Catie Benson Ellena Perry 2
This was the only fixture where Simon Middleton could dare to put out a less than full-blown side. He has limited himself to Emily Scarratt, Marlie Packer, Amber Reed and Lydia Thompson to provide the experience that comes with 40+ caps – an essential ingredient when a side embarks on a demanding series far from
The three T20 matches against the West Indies came to a predictably soggy end at Derby. Not a ball was bowled. That left just the one game at Northampton completed. The series served to demonstrate the gulf set between the two sides. The West Indies are the only elite ICC member to represent a whole
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